Capsaicin prevents ethanol-induced teratogenicity in cultured mouse whole embryos.
Prenatal exposure to alcohol promotes the level of reactive oxygen species within embryos and results in developmental disorders. In this study, we investigated the effect of capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), the major pungent ingredient in red peppers, on ethanol-induced teratogenicity in mouse embryos (embryonic days 8.5-10.5). In response to ethanol administration (1.0 microl/ml), developmental parameters such as yolk sac circulation, allantois, heart, hindbrain, midbrain, forebrain, otic and optic systems, branchial bar, olfactory system, forelimb, hindlimb, and somites decreased significantly in comparison with those of control group (p<0.05). However, the concurrent administration of capsaicin (1 x 10(-8) microg/ml or 1 x 10(-7) microg/ml) and ethanol significantly ameliorated most of the morphological scores excepting yolk sac circulation and hindlimb scores (p<0.05). Furthermore, the levels of superoxide dismutase activity and cytoplasmic glutathione peroxidase and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase mRNAs in the ethanol-treated embryos recovered to the levels observed in control embryos by capsaicin co-administration. These results indicate that capsaicin has a protective effect against ethanol-induced teratogenicity via an antioxidative activity.
Kim
Mi-Ra
MR
College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Lee
Ki-Nam
KN
Yon
Jung-Min
JM
Lee
Se-Ra
SR
Jin
Yan
Y
Baek
In-Jeoung
IJ
Lee
Beom Jun
BJ
Yun
Young Won
YW
Nam
Sang-Yoon
SY
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis
D000975:Antioxidants; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000431:Ethanol; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D002211:Capsaicin